cross-posted from: https://slrpnk.net/post/2643219

cross-posted from: https://slrpnk.net/post/2643215

ABSTRACT

Biochar is not a structured homogeneous material; rather it possesses a range of chemical structures and a heterogeneous elemental composition. This variability is based on the conditions of pyrolysis and the biomass parent material, with biochar spanning the range of various forms of black carbon. Thereby, this variability induces a broad spectrum in the observed rates of reactivity and, correspondingly, the overall chemical and microbial stability. From evaluating the current biochar and black carbon degradation studies, there is the suggestion of an overall relationship in biochar stability as a function of the molar ratio of oxygen to carbon (O:C) in the resulting black carbon. In general, a molar ratio of O:C lower than 0.2 appears to provide, at minimum, a 1000-year biochar half-life. The O:C ratio is a function of production temperature, but also accounts for other impacts (e.g., parent material and post-production conditioning/oxidation) that are not captured solely with production temperature. Therefore, the O:C ratio could provide a more robust indicator of biochar stability than production parameters (e.g., pyrolysis temperature and biomass type) or volatile matter determinations.

Looking for podcast recommendations that discuss permaculture principles, sustainable garden design, native plant gardening, etc. Any suggestions?

Can anyone ID this plant? My plant identifier is insisting that it's a Jerusalem Cherry, but the next most likely thing is Silverleaf Nightshade. I've searched on both and it definitely looks like a Jerusalem Cherry, but I have absolutely no clue how it ended up in my yard if that's the case.

A greenhouse study with barley (Hordettm disticlton L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown on two mineral soils and fertilized with three levels of 7-yr-old compost combined with four different levels of nitrogen (N) showed that boron (B) toxicity was dependent on the amount of N used in combination with compost. At high rates of compost, symptoms of B toxicity characterized by brown spotting and a burning appearance on older leaf tips, were moderate to severe in both crops. Addition of N decreased the severity of these symptoms; at a high rate of 150 ppm applied N, B toxicity was negligible. The B concentrations of the tissues of the two crops increased with increasing rates of compost and decreased with increasing rates of N in the soil. There was a significant interaction between the rates of compost and applied N. At low rates of N, increased applications of compost resulted in greater concentrations of B. Increasing rates of compost decreased the manganese (Mn) concentration of the boot-stage tissue. 'the tissue Mn concentrations ranged from 44 to 185 ppm and were not the cause of toxicity symptoms noted on the leaves. The N/B ratios of 249-520 were associated with severe to medium B toxicity, whereas ratios of greater than 682 were associated with very few to no B toxicity symptoms

Thrilled to pieces to see these bloom for the first time. 😄 I picked up these seeds at my town's local seed swap where they were labeled "Swedish Tall Red". I knew of a few other names for the cultivar but I wasn't expecting the absolute onslaught:

• Dead Viking (coool lol)
• Biskopens gråært
• Bishop’s Grey
• Bishop’s Red
• Swenson's Swedish

I guess people like this plant. Now I'm crossing my fingers and toes that it can set pods and dry in my short season!

This year's winter-to-spring transition in my part of zone 4b was rough and the garden is looking haggard because of it, so I took a cruise through last year's photos to find something to share as my first post. Absolutely cannot wait for this year's snap peas- something about the plants just delights me.

These are Oregon Sugar Pod II and Mammoth Melting. This year I added a few other varieties to the mix (Admiral, SS 141) as well as the Swedish Tall Red* just to see what happens.

Happy growing!

*a dry/shelling/field pea

I was removing weeds from between the tiles in my garden and found what looks like basil. In autumn I usually let by basil flower before the first frost kills it. I think one of the seeds survived the winter. I didn't know basil seeds were so resilient. I let this one live (until I turn it into pesto).

First real harvest off a hoop trellis. These are tasty green beans that tolerate heat well. Grown on a welded wire 6" x 6" cattle panel bent into a hoop between two beds of our vegetable patch. These sell very fast at the local farmers market.

I have learned a lot about how it's needed, in particular for short growing seasons and to prevent some pests. Still, you would think I'm killing puppies or separating twins.

It ain’t much, but it’s honest work.

Planted these in Winter 2020, finally seeing some buds.

I'm getting the ball rolling on a cannabis growing community.

[email protected]

I hope any current or aspiring growers will join me there!

The three sisters garden is a symbiotic formation of corn, beans, & squash. These crops combine to create preferable growing conditions for each of their cohabitants.

First time composter. I've filled my bin like three times over by now and haven't taken any out. Just keeps compressing and there is always room for more kitchen scraps